Released on February 1, 2019, “Terremoto” is a high-energy collaboration between Brazilian pop sensation Anitta and funk artist MC Kevinho. The track and music video blend the percussive energy of modern Brazilian funk with early 2000s dancehall influences. This mix creates a sound that feels fresh yet familiar.
“Terremoto” isn’t just a fun song to dance to — it’s a mix of styles that feels effortless. Anitta teamed up with Kevinho, then at the top of Brazil’s funk scene. Together, they rooted the track in the unmistakable groove of funk carioca. At the same time, there’s a clear throwback vibe, with hints of early-2000s dancehall and pop tucked into the beat. That blend of old and new came alive in the music video. It got people talking as soon as it dropped.
Music Video: A Homage to Sean Paul’s “I’m Still in Love with You”
The music video for “Terremoto” is a deliberate and faithful recreation of Sean Paul’s 2002 hit, “I’m Still in Love with You,” featuring Sasha. Directed by João Papa, the video mirrors the original’s vibrant aesthetics, choreography, and set design, transporting viewers back to the early 2000s.
Anitta has said she’s a big fan of Sean Paul and made sure to get his okay before paying tribute to his video. You can tell the team put a lot of care into the details, keeping the original vibe while giving it that unmistakable Brazilian funk twist.
The team really went all out to capture the look and feel of the early 2000s. The team chose every detail—from the clothes to the sets—to closely match the original Sean Paul video. Think low-rise jeans, crop tops, chunky accessories—those classic early-2000s trends that fans instantly recognize. It wasn’t just about copying the style, though; they added a fresh Brazilian funk twist to make it their own.
Director João Papa and his team conducted extensive research to understand every detail of the original video. This involved analyzing the dimensions of the set, the lenses used, and the lighting techniques employed. The goal was to replicate the iconic orange background and the dynamic interaction between the artists.
The set design brought a unique set of challenges. The team noticed that the orange boxes in the original video didn’t use perfect right angles. Instead, the crew arranged them to create a forced perspective that gave the illusion of depth. Reproducing that effect became essential for nailing the visual. They also had to build several props from scratch. Sourcing the wooden DVD rack turned out to be one of the toughest parts, but they managed to recreate it with care.
Stylist André Philipe played a pivotal role in recreating the fashion of the early 2000s. The team watched the original video countless times, photographing every detail to ensure accuracy. They sourced materials and techniques to match the original outfits.
Makeup artist Henrique Martins gave Anitta a smoky eye and shiny golden lips to capture the early 2000s style. They also made sure the dance moves matched the original video closely, which helped the tribute feel real and authentic.
“Terremoto” was a big hit across different platforms. On YouTube alone, the music video has racked up over 358 million views, making it one of Anitta’s most popular videos. On Spotify and other streaming services, the song saw strong numbers too, with listeners all over the world streaming it regularly. It also made waves on iTunes charts in countries like Brazil, Portugal, and Chile, showing that it wasn’t just a local success.
The video didn’t just do well with fans—it also caught the attention of the industry. “Terremoto” won the TVZ Music Video of the Year award at the 2019 Multishow Brazilian Music Awards. That moment showed just how strongly the video resonated with people and how much creativity the team poured into making it.
Putting together the video took a lot of work, especially because they wanted to nail that early 2000s vibe. The team carefully planned every detail, from the outfits to the set design, to honor the original Sean Paul video. But he team made sure to add the Brazilian funk style shining through in the dancing and energy.
When “Terremoto” dropped, people on social media couldn’t stop talking about it. Fans loved the catchy beat and the way the video gave a shoutout to Sean Paul’s classic hit. The collaboration between Anitta and Kevinho brought together different music styles and generations, introducing younger fans to sounds from the early 2000s while keeping the energy of Brazilian funk. It also sparked conversations about how artists borrow inspiration, with most people appreciating the clear tribute and mix of cultures.
The choreography became a viral trend, with fans and influencers sharing their dance routines. The dancers from the “Domingão do Faustão” show recorded a video performing the “Terremoto” dance, which garnered significant attention online.
The video’s success highlighted Anitta’s ability to bridge cultural gaps and pay homage to global music icons while she does what she does best: staying true to her roots.
The release of “Terremoto” marked a significant moment in the fusion of Latin music with global pop culture. By paying tribute to Sean Paul’s classic hit, Anitta introduced a new generation to the sounds of early 2000s dancehall. The collaboration with Kevinho, a prominent figure in Brazilian funk, showcased the versatility of Latin music and its ability to adapt and evolve over time.
Bloco das Poderosas Incident
On January 12, 2019, Anitta’s friend and the time, Nego do Borel, made a controversial comment on Instagram in response to a compliment from transgender YouTuber Luísa Marilac. Luísa had commented on a shirtless photo of Nego, saying, “Every day you look more handsome, man.” In response, Nego replied, “You’re a handsome man too, congratulations. You must be surrounded by beautiful women.” This comment was widely criticized as transphobic, leading to significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
On January 20, 2019, during a rehearsal for Anitta’s Carnival street party, Bloco das Poderosas, Nego do Borel joined her on stage to perform their hit “Você Partiu Meu Coração.” However, the predominantly LGBTQ+ audience quickly began booing him, protesting against his recent transphobic comment towards transgender YouTuber Luísa Marilac.
Anitta was initially unaware of the full extent of the controversy surrounding Nego do Borel. When the crowd reacted strongly, she addressed them, saying, “I will never turn my back on a friend of mine. What I can do as a friend is teach people things they don’t know.” While she did not agree with Nego’s actions, she expressed her belief in supporting him through education rather than outright rejection.
This moment sparked significant backlash online, with many fans criticizing Anitta for defending Nego publicly. The hashtag #AnittaIsOverParty trended on social media as fans expressed disappointment and frustration.
Anitta’s Emotional Response and Commitment to Filming
The following day, January 21, 2019, Anitta was scheduled to film the music video for “Terremoto” with Kevinho. In a series of Instagram Stories, she expressed her distress over the situation, admitting that she had cried due to the negative reactions and criticism. She shared, “I delayed the start [of the shoot]. I was upset… Okay. I’ve dried my tears, I’ve gotten ready… I wasn’t going to post anything because I wasn’t in the mood, but there are many people rooting for us to be down. So, I don’t like to lose. Just like I don’t like to be wrong. It won’t be this time. Let’s continue with our normal life schedule.”
Despite her emotional turmoil, Anitta proceeded with the filming of the music video, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her professional obligations.
In the aftermath of the events, Anitta publicly acknowledged her mistake in defending Nego do Borel. She stated, “I was wrong to try to justify or downplay his situation. I hate making mistakes, especially with the people I love, who are my fans.” She further clarified that she had not been aware of the full extent of the controversy at the time of the incident and expressed her intention to learn from the experience.
Despite everything happening around her, Anitta pushed through her sadness and went ahead to film the “Terremoto” music video. Her determination to keep moving forward shows her strength and professionalism. The result is a vibrant, fun tribute that’s worth watching. If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely check out the “Terremoto” video and experience all the energy and creativity Anitta and Kevinho brought to the screen.
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